published June 29, 2012
Paul Gooddy for FreeDigitalPhotos.net
by Catharine Hannay, founder of MindfulTeachers.org
What is ‘mindful teaching?’
It’s what all good teachers do, whether or not they put a label on it.
It means staying completely focused during each interaction with a student or group of students.
It means reflecting on what my students are learning and how.
It means not making assumptions.
It means realizing that there might not be a “right” answer.
It means not taking everything personally.
It means recognizing how my background and biases impact what and how I teach.
It means balancing the needs of the administration, the students, and the parents or sponsors, but not forgetting my own needs. I can’t help anyone if I’m too burnt out.
Questions to Ask Myself:
Are the students learning what they need to learn? If not, why not?
Where do I need to put my attention?
What am I concerned about? Is it something I can control?
If so, how? If not, how do I let go?